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THE NAI PROFILE 81

the way. By making new enzymes in the laboratory, Because science is so dependent on communication
we have the opportunity to observe how molecular for impact, I’d like to pursue that idea with you. What
problems can be solved. We learn which problems does being a good communicator mean for you in
can be solved by evolution—e.g., can a specific new terms of advancing your scientific agenda. What role
catalytic activity appear through a series of single do more “popular” communication forums (e.g., TED
amino acid changes—and we can study the details of talks)—as opposed to your scholarly publications and
the solutions. With some reverse engineering (bio- presentations—play in your work?
chemistry), we learn new things about these very Arnold: I have benefited greatly from giving ‘popular’
complicated catalytic systems and the amazing ability talks to young audiences or broader audiences. These
of nature to innovate. forums force one to think about the larger implica-
T&I: In recent years, there has been a great deal of tions of the work and to identify effective ways to cap-
discussion concerning women and their underrep- ture the audience’s attention and communicate ideas.
resentation in STEM fields. You have said that one Because I am too lazy to generate many different talks,
of your greatest achievements has been your role in I started to use the same tools to communicate ideas
teaching and advising the many superb students who in talks to experts as well. Then I learned that even
have studied under you at Caltech. Have your female the experts appreciate the emphasis on fundamental
students asked for advice on issues related to gender ideas and simple analogies—because no one can keep
and science. If so, what advice have you offered them? up with newest advances in all fields. Humor is also
Arnold: Advice is cheap, and I try to avoid offering effective, and I wish I were better at that!
too much. Each young person has to navigate these
issues on his or her own and make choices appropriate CONCLUSION
for them. Like evolution, many paths are possible, Even with all of her accolades, in many ways, it
even if they are not direct! seems as if her work is just beginning, as Arnold is
T&I: Keeping with the topic of students and teaching, constantly pushing limits, expanding boundaries,
could you offer an outline of how you engage your and seeking new opportunities for innovative science.
students in the invention and innovation process. At the end of the interview, Arnold offered some
What strategies or methods do you employ. Why is thoughts on future directions. On the research side,
this an important learning process for them above she shared that her upcoming work “involves bring-
and beyond their scientific training? ing new chemistry into the biological world to access
Arnold: I have a very simple strategy for promoting whole new classes of chemicals and materials.. She
also commented on her deep engagement on the tech
invention and innovation: collect really smart, inter- transfer side with her newest venture, Provivi, Inc.,
active people together, give them space and resources, where she sees her work as having two main goals:
set the standard for excellence, and then largely leave to “1) bring new enzymes to the market, so that they
them alone. Because my students and postdocs come can replace dirtier, unsustainable chemical processes
from very different backgrounds in chemistry, engi- and 2) develop natural and non-toxic ways to com-
neering, and biology, they look to each other for help bat pests in agriculture, so that we can feed growing
and a free exchange of ideas, not competition. This populations without ecosystem destruction.. Whether
creates a supportive environment where everyone not hearing her speak or reading her research, it is clear
only succeeds, but they can afford to take risks and that, in every aspect, Arnold’s work is characterized
do something really new. This is also how Caltech by a deep and sincere motivation to use innovation
works as an institution—I try to emulate this process to better our lives and the state of our planet. In her
in my own laboratory. final words, “I am always looking for ways to make
T&I: You have said that you were interested in lan- the products we need in a cleaner, cheaper, and more
guages when you were a student. Although you have sustainable fashion, and for where that ability opens
pursued a different career path, anyone who has seen new opportunities to combat chemical waste, pollu-
you speak can see that you are a gifted communicator. tion and harm to the planet.”